Spanky's Cheesesteak Factory

Mom, Bethany, Collin and I visited Spanky's Cheesesteak Factory last Monday evening around 6pm for dinner.

Not a place you go for great ambiance.

Cheesesteak sandwich with BACON!!!! & french fries. Both were extremely yummy.

The onion rings that we got on accident- for free! I don't usually like onion rings, but these were rather tasty.

They have their own line of hot sauces that are worth trying.

Grand total for 3 sandwiches, sweet potato fries, french fries and one free order of onion rings: $19.98 OH SO WORTH IT!!!!

Spanky's Cheesesteak Factory
1388 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park FL33334
(954) 630-8448
Mon-Thu,Sat:11am-10pm  
Fri:11am-11pm  
Sun:12pm-8pm

THE BEST Sweet potato fries I've EVER had!!! SO delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

Country Ham & Eggs

 Out front of the restaurant

 Their signage 

Keeley's Grits

My biscuits & gravy

 Mom's Eggs, home fries, & bacon

 Keeley's eggs, home fries, and bacon

Bethany's eggs, french toast and bacon

I let the pictures do most of the talking today.  

Grand total: $45.21  toooooooo toooooo much for a less than average breakfast for 4.  We'd have been better off at Ihop.  

Second restaurant in a row that I didn't want to post about because I don't like to write negatively about a place.  

This restaurant is located just off the commercial beach (no beach view from dining area). You have to pay to park to eat there and probably walk a little ways too.  The whole front of the restaurant is open to the outdoors which leaves is extremely hot and muggy while you're waiting on and eating your food.  When we arrived we were told we would wait 10-15 mins. We ended up waiting almost 45 because we had 4 adults and needed a highchair for Collin, so they wanted to put us at a very specific table in the corner where they thought a highchair would fit best... it did not fit there any better than it would have at any other table.  Collin turned around and was able to touch the table behind him. He's 10 months old, it's hard to keep him from squirming and trying to be social with the people around him.  The lady who was hostessing (seemingly the wife of what seemed like a husband and wife ownership) was very nice and kept us informed about how long she thought it would take for our table to be ready.  Our waitress was abrupt and less than friendly.  The husband was the cashier and was also very nice.  Really, the only redeeming quality was the fresh squeezed orange juice, YUMMY!

Overall a bombed breakfast in my book. But if you're so inclined...

Country Ham & Eggs

countryhamneggs.com

Open everyday 7-2:30

4405 El-Mar Drive 

Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida 33308 

(954) 776-1666

Texas Hold 'Em BBQ

I visited Texas Hold 'Em BBQ- wow, over a week ago now, Friday, April 1 for lunch, a late lunch, at around 2pm.  It's on the corner where Sunrise and Federal meet.  There was a guy out in the median holding a sign for BBQ and I looked over my shoulder and saw the sign for the restaurant. "TEXAS BBQ!" I thought, "I'm going to get me some brisket!"

So, I ordered the 6oz brisket meal with macaroni & cheese and french fries, it came with corn bread and I had the sauce put on the side.  I usually can't stand BBQ sauce, but I didn't mind this one. I still wouldn't slather my meat in it, but it was tasty to dip a corner in and enjoy.  The brisket itself was...ok.  It was dry and not very flavorful.  I was pretty disappointed.  The macaroni was a disgusting, greesy, delicious mess.  At the bottom of the cup I found it was actually floating in greese and decided I didn't need to eat all of it.  The fries were limp.  The cornbread was ho-hum.  An over all disappointment. Even the Coke was a little off. 
Grand total: $15.32  plus tip.  Grumble, grumble, grumble. 

I think they'd do well to have a lunch menu with lunch prices.  I spent about $20 on a blah LUNCH.  Had it been dinner, I still would have been disappointed but not quite so much. 

Atmosphere
I think the restaurant is relatively new, or under new management.  The staff was very friendly and acomadating, but it didn't make up for the food being lack luster.  They had the front doors wide open and it was getting pretty stuffy in there by the time I left.  The decor is pretty simple. Mossy green walls and "county" things here and there.  Not overly, in your face, Texas or poker themed. 


Maybe I'm just not the biggest BBQ fan. I don't feel the need to go there ever again, or mention it to or recommend it to anybody. I usually think that most places are at least worth a try. Not the case with this place.  But just in case...

Texas Hold 'Em BBQ
texasholdembbq.com 
21 SW 7 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-523-3227
M-F 11-9
S&S 12-9 

Jet Runway Cafe

Thursday, March 30 my mom, Collin and I tried Jet Runway Cafe.

 Entrance

 Not at all what you are expecting when you are driving down 21st- or when you are walking up from the parking lot: modern and classy.

 Dining Room

This place is hoppin' with the local business folk and airport workers and people from the neighborhood who know where its at!  When we arrived we were quoted a 15-20 min wait. We only waited about 10 which was great because my kiddo is a mover and a shaker and was in need of the restraint of a highchair and the comfort of his lunchtime bottle.

 Runway, right outside the window.

Atmosphere:

Again, not at all what you are expecting.  The decor is simple, modern and fun. The runway is literally right outside the door.  We saw helicopters and small jets passing by out the huge windows.  Service was excellent! Quick and friendly, can't ask for more.

 Collin enjoying his bottle. 

 My meal: Breakfast Burger & Fries

I decided to try this burger which is bacon, egg, and cheese on a beef patty. It was enormous and I ate the whole thing.  I've never had breakfast  on a burger before, tasty goodness! The fries were very good also. They are coated with crispiness, which I like, because I love crispy.

My mom's lunch: Silver Lining Salad & Tomato Bisque

I stole a bite of the soup before my mom had a chance to touch her plate- absolutely divine! It was rich, flavorful and smooth. I will definitely be ordering this soup next time to get a bowl of my own. I didn't get a chance to try the salad since I got busy on my burger, but my mom really enjoyed it, and yes, she ate the entire thing :)

Grand total:$21.20 Not complaining.  

I was turned onto this restaurant by happenstance.  PBS was on my TV the night before and Check Please! was on.  I had never seen the show before, but being an avid Food Network watcher and lover of shows such as Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and The Best I Ever Ate,  I was transfixed! I loved the thought of being able to actually visit the featured restaurants because they are all local to south Florida.

Jet Runway Cafe

5540 NW 21st Terrace, Fort Lauderdale 33069

Monday-Friday 7:30-3:00
Saturday 7:30-2:00
Facebook Fan Page 
www.jetrunwaycafe.com

Chick-Fil-A

I visited Chick-Fil-A at it's Lauderhill location on Tuesday around 11:30am for lunch. 

 I ordered my new usual: #3 Spicy Chicken Sandwich combo, no butter, no pickle, add a slice of pepper jack.  When I get the sandwich back to my table I top it with 3 waffle fries and I enjoy it with ranch sauce.  SCRUMPTIOUS!  The new spicy chicken sandwich is really, quite tasty.  I urge you to try it if you haven't yet already.
Grand total: $6.74

 All the special order stickers on my sandwich package- because I am a little high maintenance.

The new Heinz Dip 'n Squeeze ketchup packets- Genius! There are 3 old sized packets in one of these. Amazing since I used to go through about 10 packets in one sitting, looking like a true weirdo grabbing an entire handful of ketchup- and using it all. 

Atmosphere
On this particular day I chose to eat on the patio. It was a great idea.  Granted a little hot, but it was nice to enjoy the outdoors and my tasty meal. Moving on...
Like any Chick-Fil-A the employees are second to none. Friendly and outgoing, no other fast food joint can boast having such a stellar crew.  The restaurant is always clean, drinks refilled with a smile, and sometimes they even empty your try for you.  This location is by far my favorite because of the personal relationships I have made with the staff.  I admit, I am a regular.  I eat there about 2 times a week.  Javier, the owner/operator is always out greeting guests.  I could about name half the staff and how nice each of them is, but I'll just say that everyone is awesome and I love them :O)  This location also consistently has the best quality food. No, I have never had poor quality food at a CFA but my order is always correct, my sandwich always hot, and my fries always crispy.  Can't get any better than that! I also need to mention CFA Lauderhill's facebook page. They offer specials all the time.  I know it's a drive for most of you but free food is free food! They announce the special of the day (sometimes a day in advance) along with the secret pass phrase to obtain said deal.  And the phrases are always creative and entertaining.

This was their last deal, last Friday, March 25 :  Chick-fil-A at Lauderhill Going on now until 4pm! Free Small Milkshake of your choice with ANY purchase! Codeword: "I need something sweet!"

Chick-Fil-A Lauderhill

8190 W. Commercial Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33351 · Get Directions

954-741-9395 Facebook page: Click here to "like" Chick-Fil-A Lauderhill & to be kept informed on their latest special deals.

Rocco's Tacos

 Rocco's Tacos is the hip new joint on Las Olas. We arrived around 6:00 pm to a 45minute wait and a few patron hanging around the door waiting for their turn. They took our phone number and called us when our table was ready. 

We were seated at what I thought was probably one of the worst tables in the entire place- right outside the door to the patio.  It didn't end up being that bad though since there were doors down the length of the patio which allowed the servers a door to each table basically.

 Rocco's extensive drink MENUS- on the back of their dinner menu is the regular drink menu, plus an additional menu with, not a wine list (which they also have) but  tequila list. We ordered the "special" Don Julio Margarita pitcher-$24.  Let me just say they were the most ineffective 3, yes, I drank 3, margaritas I've ever had. I think it might have just been limeade.

 THE chips were seasoned! You can't really tell by the picture, but they are.  And I LOVE the concept of this. I've had some really delicious seasoned chips. If you like a smokey chipotle flavor you'll enjoy these.

 3 salsas assortment with chips- $6.  The dark one at the top is pretty thick and has a pungent smokey chipotle flavor that goes nicely with the chips. To the left is what I would call their "original" salsa. Now, I am a lover of chips and salsa, this did nothing to rock my world, it was less than average. Not terrible, but I wouldn't feel compelled to even order it again... and it's a Mexican restaurant. What are you if you don't have a delicious salsa?  And for you fruity freaks out there, the pineapple salsa. Each one had, what I think is, their signature smokey chipotle flavor to it.

 I ordered the Yucatan, which is 2 carne asada soft tacos (meat and cheese only for my picky self) and a chicken enchilada.  $16 It was edible. It tasted fine. It just wasn't AMAZING. And, call me a cheapo, but at any other Mexican restaurant I usually get beans and rice with my meal- no not here- that would be and extra $6. BOO!

So the score so far is $6 for the bla salsa trio and $6 for the standard sides and nothing is anything to write home about.

 Brad ordered the Molcajete Seafood $22.  This is their version of fajitas- served in their "lava rock bowl." What you're looking at is: shrimp, scallops, mahi, pablano chilies, clabaza squash, and charred tomatoes. The presentation is pretty cool. But like me, Bradley wasn't completely blown away by the yumminess.

 All the fixin's

 Brad's culinary masterpiece

 The atmosphere here is what you come for- and pay for. There are all sorts of cool light fixtures, art pieces hanging off the walls- very hip and cooooooooooool.  I will say that if you are going there to spend quality time with someone- you might want to reconsider.  The music is very loud and the tables are large (to accomadate the pitcher of margaritas, glasses, guacamole lava bowl, dinner plate and paraphernalia) so it's difficult to maintain any semblance of a meaningful conversation- and we were outside on the patio.

 CHURROS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, these were very tasty.  4 made to order, cinnamon sugary, hot, crispy, ala mode with chocolate and caramel drizzle- YUM! I had 3. Brad had 1. Who's the fatty in your relationship?

 This is their out door decor- pretty fun. I'm not really sure what they are but they look sweet in the trees over their parking lot. $5 for valet.

After visiting Rocco's Tacos I had decided that I had done my curious duty of trying the place but didn't need to return- AND THEN my friend Megan informed me that we had ordered ALL the WRONG items. Apparently you need to just keep it simple and order- THE TACOS.... makes sense. She also informed me that the Mojitos are where it's at.  So, after my next visit, when we go with Megan and her hubby Brent in tow- I will give you an updated review.  I can be proved wrong.

Grand total (check, not including parking or tip): $77.33

And with that I bid you farewell :O)

Rocco's Tacos

1313 E. Las Olas Blvd. 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954-524-9554

2 other locations in SOFLA + another coming sooooooooooon. 

Check the website: Rocco's Tacos   (If you're at work, turn your speakers down, or everyone will know you're SLACKIN')

Jack's Old Fashion Hamburgers

 

I'm really not sure there needs to be much explanation. It's Jack's. If your from Fort Lauderdale, you know.  

I ordered the 1/3 cheese burger and fries done crispy.  I drank water.

The breakdown
Burger: Moist, juicy, delicious, beefy goodness.  White American cheese at it's finest moment.  Topped with an inexcusable amount of salt and pepper, because I like it that way.
Fries: Not going to lie... they're just fries. But they are Jack's fries. They are a perfect compliment to the burger really.
Grand total:$6.55

Atmosphere
The ambiance at Jack's leaves MUCH to be desired.  They semi-recently got rid of all the old tables that had high-schooler initial engravings all over them and upgraded to extremely lacqured ones.  If the place is going to be stuck in the 70's why not keep the graffiti-ed up tables. Nostalgia.  Seriously, the place hasn't had an upgrade since they day they opened- at either location (except for the bathrooms- Praise the good Lord Jesus!).  At least the food is always good and everything is generally very clean.

If you've never tried the roast beef sandwich, I encourage you to do so.  That will be a future post for sure.  It's delicious.  Another menu item you may not frequent due to the superb tastiness of the burgers- the chili. Don't bother ordering a chili cheeseburger though- get the bowl and dip your cheese burger in it.  Do it right or don't do it at all :O)

Jack's Old Fashion Hamburgers

(954) 565-9960

4201 N Federal Hwy
Oakland Park, FL 33308
&
591 South Cypress Road,
Pompano Beach 

(954) 942-2844